Steps in the implementation of care policies for the population with disabilities in the USAC. Challenges and possibilities

Abstract

This article reflects the analysis and synthesis of the main theoretical and methodological aspects of four research papers on the Policies for the care of the disabled population that were approved in 2014 at the USAC. These works were carried out by four graduates of the first cohort of the Master’s Degree in Social Analysis of Disability (2016-2017). Two of the investigations started from a qualitative methodological approach, one investigation had a mixed approach and one, a quantitative approach. The four works were carried out in two or more academic units of the USAC, among them: School of Psychological Sciences, School of Political Science, Faculty of Architecture, Faculty of Engineering and Faculty of Economic Sciences. The investigations included the participation of students with disabilities, teachers, coordinators and experts in the field. Among the main results are that at the date of publication of the investigations: there was a lack of knowledge in the academic units on how to consistently implement the Policies for the care of the population with disabilities; openness on the part of teachers, students and authorities was evidenced, however, it is essential to have close accompaniment so that the actions carried out become a mechanism that guarantees the entry, transit and graduation of students from higher education. The operationalization of the Policies requires a budgetary, methodological and monitoring infrastructure, having clarity on the actors responsible for each part of the process.